Thursday, February 18, 2010

Most educators would probably agree that learning is most effective when it occurs in a "hands-on", "learning by doing" environment, where students are engaged in real world, meaningful tasks. So how can educators keep it "real" for students? The third target area in the H.E.A.T./H.E.A.R.T. process is Authentic Connections. Authentic Connections represent what people might actually do in the real world - real life issues, themes, problems. The degree of authenticity may fluctuate depending on the age and background of the learner; yet all authentic assessments possess the following attributes: (1) allow for multiple solutions, (2) relate to student’s prior knowledge, (3) have personal meaning, (4) are challenging, and (5) employ complex thinking processes. One of the easiest ways to infuse greater authenticity into student learning experiences is by integrating one of more 21st Century Themes into the learning experience. These themes include:

When observing teachers and providing feedback, there are ways one can suggest making these Authentic Connections in the classroom. Outlined below are commendations and recommendations focusing on the third target area of H.E.A.T./H.E.A.R.T.: Authentic Connections.

Authentic Connections: CommendationsAs always, start off with a positive and cite specific examples that the teacher used during the lesson to help students make connections to the content that is being presented. Then suggest the possibility of connecting this content in additional ways. Have the teachers review their own lessons to pinpoint where they can make authentic connections themselves. Additionally try to encourage small steps towards authentic activities by guiding teachers to examples of authentic learning using 21st Century Themes.

Authentic Connections: RecommendationsRemind teachers that all authentic learning experiences possess the following five factors that should be kept in mind while planning instruction:

• Discussion: As an administrator conducting classroom walkthroughs, what criteria or "look-fors" do you currently use to gauge acceptable instructional practices? How do these criteria compare with the H.E.A.T. look-fors?

• Discussion: Conduct a H.E.A.T. analysis of the Food Chains video. Was it bringing the H.E.A.T. to student learning in terms of Higher order thinking, Engaged learning, Authentic connections, and Technology use. Take a minute to reflect on the amount of student H.E.A.T. generated from the video.